Hi, my name is Denise Anger Petersen. I went to Zambia last May and it was so much better than what I had envisioned. My story starts when I received the email about the Zambia scholar vehicle that was used for transporting had overturned and they were asking for donations to replace it. At the bottom of the email, Peggy asked for volunteers to go to Zambia and that they would have to pay their own way. I didn't even consider for a moment that I would do this because I am not working and live off a small pension from my former deceased husband and after reading Peggy's book about all the scary things that happened to her, who would want to put themselves in dangers way. Zambia was not the place for me.

Little did I know that this would be my test in life. It happened as I was taking my daughter to the Brigham City Temple open house. We had been talking and I mentioned Peggy's email and about needing volunteers. I had moved on to my next thought when out of the blue a still small voice said "And you are going" I couldn't believe what I had just heard and I didn't dare tell my daughter for fear that I didn't have enough faith to go. The spirit was very strong for quite a while and I knew that it was from the Lord. Finally after a while I told my daughter and she thought it would be a wonderful thing to do. She had not read Peggy's Book.

I would be facing all my fears. The dangers at the borders, the heat, the mosquitoes, disease and discomfort, and spending my money on something I really didn't want to do. I thought of Jesus and all the prophets who willingly sacrificed everything and how they were obedient to whatever was asked of them. Could I do it? I really had my doubts but as time went on I knew that I had to pass this test.

When I told my Husband that I was going to Zambia, he thought my money would be better spent on my children's college education and why would I want to do this? Peggy's example of Love and sacrifice is something I truly admire and If she could go as many times as she has and by herself, then I could go once. I gathered my courage and went to Peggy's house to tell her. In the mean time I had shared with my Sister, Charla Jensen, about this humanity trip that I was planning to go on. When out of the blue one Sunday she says "I've been thinking about going with you". It really took me by surprise but there is no one that I would rather have as a traveling companion than my sister. Her support would be a comfort to me. But we are not seasoned traveler's by any means and without Karen Haslem and Rosemary Jensen, we could not have done it.

The trip wasn't at all like I had thought it to be. I never felt that I was in danger, we only saw 1 mosquito, the weather was perfect, and the people so kind and very spiritual. We never got sick and my money was restored even before I had left home. That's a miracle. The experience was some thing that I will never forget and always treasure. So, if your thinking of going I highly recommend it. You will learn patience, meet good and caring people, came away counting your blessings and your life will be changed forever.